Microsoft's roadmap for its Windows Phone platform does not include dual-core processors or 720 pixels-display screens until late-2012, a Microsoft-focused whistle-blowing Web site has revealed.

According to an Oct. 21 blog post on the MS Nerd site, a "leaked roadmap" showed that the software giant would not be releasing "Apollo"--codename for its Windows Phone 8 operating system (OS)--or its associated hardware until late-2012.

The hardware would include Chassis 3, which makes room for dual-core processors and improved high-definition (HD) screens, noted a separate report by tech news site EE Times.

However, by the time Chassis 3 is introduced on Windows Phone devices, the hardware features on these models will be a full year behind other offerings which will be introduced emerging in the market over the next few months, EE Times pointed out.

In terms of dual-core smartphones, phonemakers such as LG Electronics and Motorola Mobility have already released devices with such capabilities, and Samsung's Galaxy S II HD already sports the 1280x720 resolution display screen which will only be supported by Windows Phone 8, the report noted.

"Windows Phone SKUs (stock-keeping units) are restricted heavily by Microsoft's chassis guidelines, and implemented by the company to avoid the type of fragmentation seen among Android devices," EE Times stated. "While a more uniform chassis ensures Microsoft can push out OS updates quicker to devices, it also has the unfortunate downside of lagging behind its competitors in terms of hardware specifications."

Quizzed for confirmation on the authenticity of the leaked roadmap, a Redmond spokesperson said: "We aren't sharing details around future versions of Windows Phone."

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